Master of Arts and Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation

We offer a Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree in Program Evaluation and a Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation. All classes are delivered entirely online by respected, accomplished evaluation professionals. As a student in this program, you'll consult with  faculty, exchange ideas with classmates, and complete knowledge and skill-building activities — all at locations and hours that are most convenient for you.

Also, as an M.A. student you will complete a two-semester supervised practical application course; you'll work alongside evaluation practitioners in a professional evaluation setting to gain first-hand experience applying your learning from prior classes. Most importantly, in the end, you will have developed the skills needed for a successful evaluation career in local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the private sector.

Depending on space availability, courses are also open to individuals interested in taking one or more courses for the purpose of professional development.  

Click here to find out about the costs of the courses and programs.

Read more about the M.A., graduate certificate, and professional development options below.

• Master of Arts in Program Evaluation

  Core Courses

  To earn a master's degree in program evaluation, students complete eight core content courses (24 credits) that cover:  

  • leading models and standards of professional evaluation practice.
  • quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method design and analysis for the evaluation context.
  • effective interpersonal and communication skills.
  • leading-edge dissemination and reporting strategies.
  • evaluation contracting and project management.

  Practicum

  Students also complete a practicum sequence (13 credits) that provides them with the opportunity to further develop their evaluation skills by immersion in a real-world setting in which evaluations are currently being conducted. Settings include government agencies, human service organizations, educational settings, healthcare organizations, and for-profit and non-profit evaluation firms.

  Program Duration

  As a full-time student, you'll earn your degree in only 16 months (four consecutive semesters). As a part-time student, you will follow an individualized plan of study that meets your needs. 

  Cost

  The current cost of tuition for the M.A. in program evaluation is $32,190 ($870/credit hour). Rates are subject to change. Contact the MSU Financial Aid Office for information about financial assistance. Contact MSU Student Accounts for billing and payment information.
  
  The total cost for course materials (e.g., books) is approximately $1050. 

   

• Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation

  The graduate certificate is designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills, while providing students with the flexibility to tailor the program to meet their unique educational needs. The graduate certificate is a good option for evaluation practitioners looking to advance their skills and credentials without committing the time and resources necessary to complete a master's degree. However, should your circumstances change, 9 credits from the certificate program can be applied toward the master's degree. This means that once you complete the graduate certificate, you are already 9 credits closer to earning your M.A. in Program Evaluation. 

  Required Courses

  To earn a graduate certificate in program evaluation, students complete four 3-credit courses (12 credits). As a certificate student, you would take:

  • PSY 880: Foundations of Evaluation to gain a solid foundation in leading models and standards of professional evaluation practice.
  • One of the two evaluation design courses: PSY 881: Evaluation Design or PSY 884: Qualitative and Mixed Method Evaluation
  • Two electives that best meet your professional goals: PSY 881: Evaluation Design ; PSY 882: Evaluation Data Collection Methods ;PSY 883: Statistics for Evaluators I ; PSY 884: Qualitative and Mixed Method Evaluation ; PSY 885: Communicating and Reporting ; PSY 887: Statistics for Evaluators II ; and PSY 888: Evaluation Project Management .

  Cost

  The current tuition cost for the graduate certificate in program evaluation is $10,440 ($870/credit hour). Rates are subject to change. Contact the MSU Financial Aid Office for information about financial assistance. Contact MSU Student Accounts for billing and payment information.
  
  The cost for course materials (e.g., books) is approximately $400.

• Professional Development

  Not interested in pursuing an M.A. or a graduate certificate, but would like to build your skills in a particular competency area? Any of the eight core content courses can be taken through MSU's Lifelong Education program. If you are interested in taking one or more of the courses as a non-degree seeking student, contact us regarding course availability and complete the MSU online Lifelong Education Application status through the university. 

  A limited number of credits taken while enrolled under the Lifelong Education enrollment status may be applied to the MA or Certificate. Contact us for more information.

  Cost

  The tuition rate is set by the Lifelong Education Program. The rate is listed on the MSU Controller's Office website. The cost for course materials (e.g., books) ranges from approximately $50 to $120.